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Suzanne Jacob OBE, Chief Executive of SafeLives says: “These figures further reinforce the ongoing case for specialist support for groups of women who are experiencing particularly high rates of domestic abuse – including disabled women, young women and lesbian and bisexual women.

“Our Spotlights research shows that these women often face additional barriers to accessing support, which is why we’re calling on the government to ensure that there are enough specialist services to give every woman the tailored and quality support she so urgently needs.

“Domestic abuse thrives on silence and stigma; we know that only one in five victims will ever call the police. These figures are the tip of the iceberg.

“We need to support women in places that work for them, such as hospitals, schools and in their community.

“We must challenge the harmful myths and stereotypes about what ‘type’ of person can be a victim of domestic abuse.

“It can happen to anyone, and everyone deserves the right support – whoever you are, wherever you live.”